"So – when are you going on to be ordained?"

It’s the question every licenced Reader gets asked from time to time. But what is a Reader? A Reader is a theologically trained lay person, male or female, licenced by the Bishop after three years training. In this Diocese, Readers are usually licenced to the Diocese rather than a particular Parish – though the main focus of their activities is often in the Parish where they live.

In fact Reader Ministry goes back a long way- with its roots in the Early Church office of ‘Lector’. However the Reader’s role in the 21st century is a broad one. Most Christians see their Readers main function as preaching at church services. However the Reader’s remit from the Bishop enables them to exercise their own individual talents in a whole host of ways. Readers can be found leading groups – large and small- of all ages. They can be found working in their parishes visiting, taking communion to the sick and helping others prepare for baptism and confirmation. Some Readers work in hospitals and prisons as Chaplains. In fact, Readers are found exercising their ministry just about everywhere.

So how do you become a Reader? The first step is to find out what is involved-speak to your Priest, speak to Readers … most of all speak to your family, because they are going to be affected by your training and your future role. If the signals seem to be set at green, then there is a selection process involving an interview, followed by, on average, three years training.

The training is thorough and gives vital background in the bible and theology, in doctrine, in prayer and spirituality as well as the practical aspects of taking services and preaching. Assessment is by assignments of various types, as well as some extended writing. On successful completion and recommendation to the Bishop the Reader is admitted and licenced at a special service, along with other Readers.

And that’s when the question crops up – "when are you going to take the next step?"

Some Readers do indeed ‘go on’. Most devote considerable much prayer and thought to where their future call and work lies. However the Office of Reader is an end in itself – not simply a stepping stone. Many Readers work full time and exercise a subtle yet powerful ministry in their non-churchgoing workplace. The theologian Ruth Etchells called this work being part of ‘God’s Secret Army’. Many Readers find this an exciting and highly rewarding ministry in addition to their parish work. For them, taking ‘the next step’ would mean being removed from the place they are the most useful and being sent back to the office to do the filing. Which just goes to show how diverse the ministry of all believers can be!

David Funge and Brenda Eagles. September 2001.